GOVT 4311- The Modern Political Economy of Texas- Honors Fall 2011 Dr.

Greg Thielemann Green Hall 3.520 972-883-2048 gregt@utdallas.edu T 1-3:45 Green Hall 3.604

This course examines the changing nature of Texas political economy by exploring the states political structures and policy problems. The course presents unique learning opportunities for students by providing them with direct access to Texas leaders who will give personal insights in lectures to the class. This course can be taken for regular credit, as a Government Honors credit or for upper division CV credit. Any student is eligible to take the course provided that they are in good standing (GPA) and receive the permission of the instructor. The small enrollment (capped at 18) insures that the student will receive a unique educational experience with personalized instruction particularly in the case of the term paper. In addition, this course is closely linked to UTDs Center for the Study of Texas Politics. Evaluation: 1. Exam 1- (25%) 2. Exam 2- (25%) 3. A Policy Paper- Students will examine a policy problem confronting Texas. The topic will be determined by the student and approved by the professor. This paper is between 8-10 pages in length. Rough drafts may be turned in early for evaluation and feedback. (25%) 4. Attendance and Participation- (25%) Half of this portion of the grade is determined by attendance and the other half is linked to participation in the forums with state leaders. I do not give make-up exams. If you are going to miss an exam you must let me know two weeks in advance in order to take the exam early. Text: Practicing Texas Politics, 2011-2012 edition. Lyle Brown, et al. Wadsworth: 2010 and 2012.

Course Outline: Topics 8-30 Introduction 9-6 Political and Economic Culture 9-13 Federalism and the Constitution 9-20 Speaker 1- Stefani Carter 9-27 Speaker 2-Tryon Lewis 10-4 Parties and Interest Groups 10-11 Speaker 3- TBD 10-18 Exam 1 10-25 Speaker 4-Kenneth Sheets 11-1 Paper Meetings 11-8 Speaker 5- TBD 11-15 The Legislature 11-22 The Other Institutions 11-29 Exam 2 12-6 Papers Due

Reading Assignment Brown 1, 5, 11 Brown 2 Brown 4,6

Brown 7 Brown 8-10

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